Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

2007's Transformers brought an icon from the past into the present. Michael Bay's film brought the classic franchise to modern life in a quite unexpected way. Quite literally, the robots exploded onto the screen. While some fans of the original series hated the film and criticized its use of CGI, the film was nonetheless highly popular and critically acclaimed.

With the film's ending, many of us wondered if a sequel would appear. Transformers doesn't set up the events of another film, but the film doesn't remove the possibility, either. Autobot leader Optimus Prime records a message to any other survivors of Cybertron that he and his Autobots are on Earth. The potential is there, but if a sequel never came, it wouldn't be a total loss.

But this summer, we'll get to see more of the adventure. Michael Bay and his crew, including Steven Spielberg as executive producer, have returned to make the next chapter of the Transformer saga, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

The film is set some time after the events of the first film. Other Transformers have made it to Earth, both Autobots and Decepticons. Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox return to reprise their character roles. Megan Fox reportedly had to gain nearly ten pounds to return to Transformers work, at Michael Bays insistence. The previous film notably brought back Peter Cullen to lend his voice to Optimus Prime, after nearly twenty years. This film will continue that trend.

The film's plot involves discoveries of Transformers who visited Earth long ago. Transformers have actually come to Earth during the previous film as part of the Decepticon's plan. Egyptian hieroglyphics will testify to ancient Cybertronian visits, and the final battle of the film will take place in the Giza pyramid complex. Supposedly, the Giza plateau houses a Cybertronian temple.

The sequel will contain about forty robots altogether. This includes all the Transformers from the previous film, plus several new ones. Transformers was notable for introducing the new Camara, which became Bumblebee. Revenge of the Fallen will feature two of Chevrolet's new concept cars, the Beat and Trax, which are Autobot twins. The film also features a Chevy Volt, and the new Centennial Corvette concept.

Arcee will make her debut, after being canned from production during the previous film. She will separate into three different motorcycles, perhaps linking together as one megacycle. The Constructicons will also appear, forming Devastator, who was inadvertently named in the last film.

But the film's titular character is the most intriguing. The Fallen is a Decepticon, well, of sorts. He actually appeared in The War Within comic book series in 2003. Michael Bay calls this Transformer apocalyptic. Well, The Fallen was one of the thirteen original servants of Unicron. Fans of the original series will recognize that name. Unicron is a Transformer the size of a planet. In fact, he transforms into a planet and eats other planets. This film will feature one of his servants. Interesting. That leads one to wonder.

Well, Michael Bay has admitted it. He wishes to use Unicorn in a third film. Why not? Whether that film happens or not depends largely on Fallen'sFallen's success. Set for June 26 of this year, Transformers will get its AutobotsAutobDecepticonsepticons will meet The Fallen, and we will have to see how it all goes down.